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Todd Doney

The creative process has always fascinated Todd Doney, assistant professor, Visual Arts, at County College of Morris (CCM).

“You start out with a blank canvas. When you’re done putting this bunch of goo on there – that’s what paint is – the shapes and colors come together to form something beautiful.”

Doney began his education at a community college and went on to attend the prestigious American Academy of Art in Chicago. Shortly after graduation, he obtained his first commission – a football illustration for Playboy magazine. During the next 25 years, he created artwork for book covers, sports teams and advertising agencies.

He has long wanted to teach art full-time.This year, he achieved that ambition when he joined CCM as a full-time professor teaching drawing, painting, and portfolio and presentation classes.

“It’s rewarding when somebody learns from you,” he says, “and students provide you with fresh artistic perspectives as well.”

Recently, Doney had his first one-man show at a New York gallery and found the event offered a special challenge. The gallery required 40 paintings.

“I only had 20 in my studio, so I had three months to come up with the balance of those paintings,” he says. “It all came together and I got it done.” Every painting exhibited that night also sold.

In the summer of 2013, Doney will have another one-person show at the Morris Museum.

“They like to showcase local artists and the fact that I paint the Great Swamp makes it a true Jersey show.”

He has encouraged his own children to paint having learned early on that some artistic boundaries need to be established.

“My son was goofing around with my paints and I was not in the room. I came in a little while later and found that he was adding his artistic touch to one of my paintings,” he recalls.

Apparently, the goo-that-is-paint had also drawn his son’s fascination. Doney gave the painting to his mother.

“Mom liked it all the more because her grandson had added his mark to it.”